STONEHAVEN

	Historic Overview

Stonehaven has a rich and varied history, with much evidence of prehistoric activity in the area substantiated by both the standing stones and the Bronze Age, Iron Age and Pictish relics discovered in and around the town. Evidence also exists of a Roman presence in the area, with a Roman camp established near where Fetteresso Church now stands, and a much larger marching camp at Raedykes. As Stonehaven Bay was a natural harbour, it likely sheltered Roman galleys between their raids on the other coastal settlements of the Northeast. Until the beginning of the seventeenth century Stonehaven was an insignificant settlement existing in the shadow of Dunnottar Castle. Around 1600 the Earl Marischal was successful in persuading James VI to make Stonehaven the county town of Kincardine, taking over from Kincardine itself, two miles east of Fettercairn. In 1624 the town was elevated to a burgh of barony, with two bailies to look after its affairs.

In 1655 Thomas Tucker described Stonehaven as "a little fisher town where goods have formerly been brought in, but not of late, because hindered from doing so by the neighbourhood and privileges of Montrose". Thereafter Stonehaven developed slowly, spreading back from the Harbour and either side of High Street. Development was haphazard and living conditions were basic and harsh. The real development of the "new town" of Stonehaven began when Robert Barclay of Ury purchased the lands of Arduthie, lying between the Carron and the Cowie, in 1759, for reputedly £1,500. Feus were made available, the river Carron bridged (1781). The Square (originally Barclay Square) was laid out and streets planned in gridiron pattern around it. Most of them were named after members of the Barclay family or relatives, for instance: Gurney, Cameron, Ann, Margaret, David, Mary and Robert. From the 1890's until the present day Stonehaven has been a popular place of residence and holiday resort. The year 2000 saw the 400th anniversary of Stonehaven becoming the county town of Kincardine and although it doesn't attract the numbers of holidaymakers it did in the early part of the century it remains a popular and thriving town with much to offer both residents and visitors alike.

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	Facts and Figures

Town profile

> click here to view the town profile

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	Strategy

Executive Summary

Stonehaven has graduated from ATP but during its time the Partnership took forward an agreed strategy for the town, following extensive public consultation.

> click here to view full executive summary

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	Objectives

1 Reveal, safeguard and enhance latent qualities.

2 Adequate housing and employment sites.

3 Support and develop local businesses.

4 Develop and enhance community & tourist infrastructure.

5 Improve town image.

>click here to view full ATP Objectives

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	Key Projects

2003/2004

• PARCS - capacity building & design support
• Market Square improvements
• Baywalk extension
• Affordable housing - Braehead, Kirkton Road & Robert Street
• Stonehaven Business Support Project
• Civic Pride Initiative
• Town Hall - Users Group established and RGU design study
• Tourism Signage and Interpretation implementation
• Vacant Site Audit - review
• Quality Retail Initiative - conclusion
• Stonehaven Business Support Project
• Den of Logie footpath

2004/2005

• Stonehaven Business Support Project
• Stonehaven Farmers' Market and Produce Market Group formation
• Friends of Stonehaven Open Air Pool - promotional support
• Stonehaven Town Hall - options development
• Stonehaven…it's Special Tourism Group
• Stonehaven…it's Special Events Group
• Market Square improvements
• Civic Pride Initiative
• Horizon Project
• Affordable housing - Westfield House
• Tourism signage and interpretation - trunk roads signs

2005/2006

• Stonehaven Farmers' & Produce Market launch
• Stonehaven Town Hall - feasibility study
• Stonehaven Business Support Project

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	Contacts

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	Latest Info

	The Future

Stonehaven is due to "exit" from the ATP programme in 2006. Discussions are ongoing about how the momentum and community involvement will continue in the future in the context of community planning.

Stonehaven, Ellon and Inverurie have joined a European project under the Interreg IIIc programme. SUSSET - Sustaining Small Expanding Towns will look at experiences and best practice in relation to towns of similar sizes and characteristics, which have experienced or face rapid expansion.

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